Street photography is the most difficult type of photography out there. There is so little we can control, and it takes a lot of courage and confidence to shoot in the streets.
I think as street photographers, many of us lack courage. We have the fear of being looked on as creeps, we have the fear of not getting “keepers”, we have the fear of getting the police called on us, we have the fear of upsetting people (and many more fears).
Many of us also lack confidence in our street photography. We don’t have the confidence to stand up for ourselves (when people yell at us for taking their photo). We don’t have the confidence to “defend” street photography (when other photographers think we are strange or odd). We don’t have the confidence to approach strangers on the streets.
When I first started street photography, I was greatly lacking in courage and confidence.
- For me, courage in street photography is having the heart, soul, and strength to shoot in the streets, and to have the ability to face your fears in the streets head-on.
- Confidence in street photography is to know or have the belief that what you’re doing is not wrong, creepy, nor inconsiderate.
I think that many of us often forget that what we are doing in street photography is a good thing. We are creating fragments of history, capturing beautiful moments in the everyday mundane, and creating images that will have social importance hundreds (or even thousands) of years to come.
Some ideas on courage and confidence:
How to be more courageous in street photography
Below are some tips which have helped me build more courage in street photography:
1. Think about the worst case scenario
The worst thing that generally happens in street photography is someone gives you a dirty look or tells you to “fuck off”. It practically never gets physical. I haven’t ever heard of a story of someone being killed for shooting street photography.
They might call the police, but as long as you’re photographing in a public space (in most counties it is within your rights).
Otherwise I follow the mantra: “It is better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.”
2. Don’t hesitate (when in doubt, click)
My buddy Charlie Kirk has a quote: “When in doubt, click”.
I think it is an apt rule-of-thumb to follow.
When you see a scene that might possibly make an interesting photograph, don’t hesitate. Just click the shutter. Decide later on whether it is any good or not.
If you hestitate, you wont take the shot.
3. Smile
There is nothing more disarming than a smile. If you take a photograph of a stranger without their permission (and they give you a “what the fuck look”) simply look back and give them a huge smile.
As humans, we are mirrors. We have “mirror neurons” which mimic the actions of others. So if we smile at strangers, they are most likely to see we aren’t a threat and smile back.
When in doubt, smile.
How to be more confident in street photography
1. Get to know your camera and focal length very well
I see a lot of beginner street photographers make the mistake of having too many different cameras and focal lengths. I’m a big proponent of the philosophy: “One camera and one lens”. For example, I’ve stuck with a 35mm lens the last 5 years and know the framing pretty damn well. I can frame my photos before bringing up my camera to my eye.
It takes a while to master one camera system and focal length. However once you master your setup, you don’t have to think as much when you’re out shooting on the streets. The camera becomes an extension of your eye. You start to shoot intuitively, without thought. You shoot from the gut– and don’t hesitate as much.
If you want to have full confidence in your abilities when shooting on the streets, the last thing you want to do is fumble around with your camera settings.
2. Have a purpose
When you’re out shooting street photography, know why you shoot street photography. Know your purpose. Are you trying to create history through your photos? Are you trying to create social commentary or critique through your photos? Are you trying to show the beauty of everyday life? Are you trying to show the pain and suffering of the poor and destitute?
When you have a purpose or a “mission statement” in your street photography, you will have a lot more confidence in what you do.
So the next time someone questions you: “Why did you take my photograph?” you will know exactly how to respond.
3. Work on a project
Working on a project goes with the prior point: having a purpose.
I find the benefits of working on projects are many. Some benefits:
- Focus: Instead of randomly snapping single images, projects will help you create a more artistic vision of the world. They will prevent you from being distracted when you’re on the streets.
- Purpose: When people stop and ask you why you are taking their photo, you can tell them the project you are working on– and make them an active part of the project.
- Motivation: When you’re out shooting on the streets, you don’t need “inspiration” to hit you. You know exactly what project you’re working on, why you’re working on it, and this will give you the impetus to keep working hard on it.
To learn more, you can also read my article: How to start your own street photography project
Conclusion
As a street photographer, be purposeful. Know why you shoot, and for whom you shoot. Don’t just go around the streets and take meaningless snapshots. Take photos that speak to your heart and soul– and speak to others.
Let your courage and confidence come out from within– knowing what you’re shooting on the streets is good for society at good. You are creating art, history, and social commentary.
Now go forth and shoot! :)
To build more of your confidence in street photography, check out my free ebook: 31 Days to Overcome Your Fear of Shooting Street Photography
How else do you build your courage and confidence in the streets? Share your tips and thoughts in the comments below.